Korean News Weekly: OGN Winter Winner’s Interview – MakNooN

On January 16, NaJin Sword defeated KT Rolster B and took the round one advantage with a score of 3 to 1.

After several long games, NaJin Sword defeated KT Rolster B with through MakNooN’s and Pray’s play. If NaJin Sword defeats KT B in the second round, they will proceed to the finals and battle against Frost.

Q: You guys were able to take a one-round advantage.

MakNooN : I’m glad. On the fourth match, I was worried that we might have to drag the game into blind pick, but I think our hard preparation paid off. Also, a bit of luck helped us win.

Pray: In that game, I thought we would win because we caught Kha’Zix, but SSONG hyung threw the game along with the enemy team, which was really dangerous. [Laughs.] At least we were able to slowly climb to the victory with the advantage!

Q: You guys had 3 to 1 victory. Were there any challenges?

MakNooN: I think the last game was the hardest. Nocturne and Renekton just dove Miss Fortune, and it was pretty hard to peel them. Especially because Renekton was Crazy Ragan.

Pray: It was really hard running away from Renekton. [Laughs.]

Q: Any special preparations for these games?

MakNooN: Because KT B had a similar playstyle to ours, we decided who to ban before the games.

Q: You guys won the games by dragging them into late game.

MakNooN: We used to pick champions that were strong in the laning phase, but nowadays we prefer safe late-game champions. Especially after getting flamed by the audience for diving so much, we try to play more safely. Also, we gained confidence in late-game strategies and coordination so we’ll be playing for late game more often.

Pray: Because the enemy team had global champions like Shen and Nocturne, we played the laning phase quite safely. We practiced against this composition and I think we were fine.

Q: Currently, KT B Score has the highest KDA. How do you feel after playing against him?

Pray: He tries really hard not to give kills during the laning phase. I think it was my first time seeing someone who plays this passively. We tried to trade some damage but he ignores it and just keeps farming. After the game was over, we looked at his rune page and he had 7 percent lifesteal. I was really surprised. Because I tried to trade damage and fell behind in farm, I didn’t bother forcing it too much and kept farming as well.

MakNooN: Pray usually calculates the damage trade and then forces a trade. I thought it was strange to see him just farming today.

Q: On the fourth game, you guys picked AP Gragas.

MakNooN: He has really good late-game utility. He can clear minion waves quickly and disengage well. The team didn’t give much positive feedback the first time we practiced with Gragas, and it felt like AP Rengar. It’s gotten better as we practiced him.

Q: How did you feel when you had Baron stolen?

MakNooN: Watch was just sighing over and over again.

Pray: Watch hyung got depressed and because of that, he used smite early while killing the Drake. I think he just wasn’t in his best condition.

Q: Do you think you can get to the final?

MakNooN: Yes, because we’re practicing really hard. Right now, I’m trying to cover my own role rather than carry the team, and I think that’s why the team is playing so well.

MakNooN: We used to focus on diving the enemy AD carry, but now we try to protect our own.

Nidalee kept receiving bans. Did you plan on using Nidalee?

MakNooN: We were going to use her in the blind pick game. However, she was being banned in every single game. Irelia does well against Nidalee so I don’t know why they banned her.

Q: Last words?

MakNooN: We made a NaJin calendar. It’s going to be really rare so try to find it. Also, the pictures on the calendars are really good so I hope you guys like it. Also, many thanks to the fans who cheered us on, and this time, we will be at the finals for sure.

Pray: I thank my coach, manager, CEO and the Shield hyungs. I will try my best to win the next round as well.